European Parliament vice-president declares hunger strike for occupied Oleshky residents

European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno has declared a hunger strike in support of residents of temporarily occupied Oleshky.

Picierno said the action is intended to draw international attention to the humanitarian catastrophe and help secure assistance for local residents. She also called on others to join, with participation details available in her post.

In her appeal, Picierno urged people to demand an immediate humanitarian truce, access for food and medicines, and safe evacuation for civilians who want to leave the city.

EU seeks humanitarian access

On 28 September, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the bloc was trying to deliver humanitarian aid to occupied Oleshky.

On 29 September, the European Union said it had demanded that Russia grant humanitarian access to the city and was working with international partners to secure it.

Pope calls for a truce

Picierno said her action supports the efforts of Pope Leo XIV and others seeking to avert a humanitarian tragedy.

On 16 October, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and asked him to arrange a truce so aid could reach temporarily occupied Oleshky.